Bridget A. Thomas
Every day is a gift!
As Far As It Depends On Me
There is a Bible verse that stresses the importance of living at peace with other people.
Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
I love the way this is worded. Often times when it comes to our interactions with other people, if they are hard to deal with, we just give up and walk away. We don’t want to be bothered, so we as humans are quick to cut ties and move on. But this verse will make us think twice. This verse shows us that we need to make every effort to live a life of peace. As far as it depends on us.
The words “as far as it depends on me” have been floating through my head a lot recently. And I began to think about how these words can impact different areas of our lives.
For one thing, our attitudes. Life can hand us some tough things that can leave us feeling bitter, worried, stressed, fearful, and many other negative emotions. But we have a choice. We can choose to stay optimistic and positive. We can choose to keep joy and peace in our hearts. As far as it depends on us.
Another area is our work. I love my job and what I do each day. But sometimes I have things on my plate that I feel inadequate to handle. Maybe you can relate? Or perhaps you have to deal with unfriendly coworkers? Or maybe you don’t work in the best conditions? We can still choose to make every effort to get the job done in a timely and efficient manner. As far it depend on us.
Another area is our health. We all know that we should eat healthy, exercise, take care of ourselves and so on. But do we do it? Most people are terrible in this area. It can be too hard to start a new diet or a new workout plan. We might take care of our loved ones well, but not ourselves. Again, we have a choice. We can attempt to take care of our bodies and our health. As far as it depends on us.
These are just a few examples. But we could also seek God in prayer and ask Him to show us areas of our lives that we can improve, as far as it depends on us. These seven words can drastically influence our lives in a positive way. We can choose how we approach the path ahead. We can approach so many things differently if we remember to make every effort to do our part.
As far as it depends on you. As far as it depends on me. As far as it depends on us.
Dear God, we want to be good stewards of this life you have given us. We are sorry that sometimes we feel discouraged and defeated. We know those feelings can hold us back from living our best life. So please help us to change any areas that we can. Help us to live each day for Your honor and glory. Please reveal to us areas that You would like for us to improve. Lay on our hearts areas where we can choose to approach differently. As far as it depends on us. Thank You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
© 2021 Bridget A. Thomas
Bridget A. Thomas 
When life gets stressful, it’s easy to blame others. That’s why your thoughts today are important, Bridget! “As far as it depends on me…,” is a reminder that we all have options–good ones and not so good ones. With God’s help, may we live a life that is worthy of the gospel. Everyday! Your post is a timely reminder for me this morning, Bridget. Before I even head out the door, I will remember who I represent. Blessings!
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You are absolutely right, we all have good and not so good options. Every day we are faced with opportunities to choose. And as you said, may we remember who we represent as we make our choices. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts, David! Blessings to you too!
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As far as it depends on me – I have never noticed that before. I really like what you shared here. We often temper our response or effort to do things based on the other persons effort or interaction. But taking this approach is a game changer – because it initiates actions done well. This gives us more of a chance to reflect a Christ like attitude in what we do.
Great post my friend 🌺😊
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I agree! This phrase truly can help us to face many situations differently. We can step forward in faith and allow the Holy Spirit to work though us. And I love the way you put it – to reflect a Christ like attitude. Thank you for sharing your insight, my friend! 🌻
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This is a great post and reminder that so much of our ailments and issue lay on us. What a wake up call when one clearly sees their part of the problem. To see that and act correctly about it brings such freedom. Thanks Bridget for this read.
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Sometimes we feel helpless and lost, especially when a situation is overwhelming. But we can seek God’s wisdom and take steps in the right direction. I like how you put that – it brings such freedom. So very true! Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts, Betty! ♥️
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very clear very near to us all
so peace is essential
and loving what you do is priceless
best luck
highest hopes
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even in the midst
of unhappy times
we can find peace
if God is our lifeline
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unless you re in the middle of one of son tom s tirades. then heaven alone is not enuff.
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😊
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pish posh. the talk and i walk away from him happier. you can divorce your spouse but not ur kidz
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Amen
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I absolutely needed this encouragement and verse!! I will definitely be reflecting on this as I work on not getting frustrated with one of my friendships that always seems so competitive.
Thank you for sharing.❤️
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Oh I am sorry. I do understand. Some people feel the need to outdo others. Perhaps it is an insecurity thing and it makes them feel better on some level. I pray you can find peace in this situation. And I am glad this post was helpful. 💕
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I would say you’re spot on!
Yes please pray for me, I’m having some serious unrest and irritability over this, it’s making me frustrated with myself for being annoyed…I know prayer works though!!!❤️
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Yes I am definitely praying for you, my friend! God hears and is there to help! 🙏♥️
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Oh yes, to live each day for God’s honor and glory does include many choices. I love your prayer, Bridget, that guides our attention to be good stewards of those choices. Think I’ll make a copy and put it in my prayer box!
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I am honored to know that this post and prayer were meaningful to you. I pray we can keep living for God’s honor and glory in the forefront of our minds. And this, in turn, will help us to make wise choices each day. ♥️
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Amen, Bridget!
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Perfect timing! I’m finding it really hard to live in peace right now with so much going on around us. Not to mention one of our neighbors. Ugh! Every time I see that neighbor I have to look up to the sky and repeat, “Love thy neighbor. I’m trying, Lord!” LOL
It’s so true that not living a peaceful life affects all those areas, especially our health, both mentally and physically. And it depends on us!
Thank you for the beautiful prayer! I prayed it right along with you!
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I am sorry you have a difficult neighbor. I will pray that the situation gets better. And yes I agree, there is so much going on in our world that makes it difficult to live in peace. There is always much to worry about. But one plus side is that we find ourselves praying more! (At our new house we have mean dogs that live next door. And I think God is showing me the importance of praying for my family and dogs more!) I am glad this post and prayer were helpful!
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I’ll be praying for God to keep you guys safe from the mean dogs! That’s scary! Thank you for your prayers, too!
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Aw thank you! I appreciate your prayers! And you’re welcome!
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Amen! Thank you for the prayer Bridget. That is something we should pray often I believe. Asking God to show us ways we need to change, will draw us closer to Him and help us to be better witnesses for Him.
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Thank you, Dawn! I am glad you found this post and prayer to be encouraging. I agree with you. I think we should approach God in prayer with an open mind and an open heart. He will direct our steps! I am so thankful that we have such a faithful and loving Father!! ♥️
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